Choose a workspace folder
On the launch screen, click Choose Workspace Folder…. Select or create a dedicated folder you control, then confirm the macOS folder picker. This grants access to that folder. Keep it on an available disk; a disconnected external drive makes file actions unavailable.
Set your defaults
Choose Project Command Centre → Settings… (⌘,). Set the three-letter currency, default hourly rate, workdays and daily time target. Review the stage and folder templates, then click Save Settings. These are defaults for new projects, not a currency conversion tool.
Create a project
Click the sidebar toolbar’s plus button or press ⇧⌘N. Enter a name, optional client and owner, dates, currency, budget and hourly rate. Leave the stage-template and folder-creation options enabled for your first project, then click Create Project. The new project opens automatically.
Add and finish a small task
Open Tasks, type a title in Quick task, and press Return. Click the task to open Task Inspector. Set its stage, due date and estimate, then click Save. Start Task Timer, do the work, and stop it. Set Status to Done, click Save, then open Time to verify the saved entry.
Protect your work
Open Settings → Backup & portability → Export Full Backup…. Save the .pccbackup file somewhere safe. Back up your chosen workspace folder separately: the database backup records links but does not contain your documents.
See it in the app
Fictional demo data. Click an image to open the larger screenshot. Labels and dates may differ from your version.
